#53 Memorabilia to Modern

Chico Museum
141 Salem Street
530-891-4336 • www.chicomuseum.org
Hours: Wed-Sun, Noon-4 p.m.
Free Admission, donations accepted

Patrick Ranch
10381 The Midway
530-892-1525 • www.thepatrickranch.org
Hours: By appointment
Free Admission, donations accepted

You can't be too sure of what you'll find at the Chico Museum, in this distinctive old 1904 Carnegie Library building, since the museum offers both permanent and rotating exhibits, but one thing that's certain is that it's always interesting.

On permanent display are artifacts from Chico's Chinese Temple, 19th century musical instruments, and other historical artifacts and photos of Chico and the surrounding area. Lectures, slide shows, and seminars are offered year round. Call for a calendar and newsletter.

The 28-acre Patrick Ranch is Chico's newest historical attraction, reflecting the agricultural, cultural, social, and economic history of the North Sacramento Valley. Annual events there include an old-fashioned Threshing Bee & Antique Equipment Show held in June, complete with draft horses and vintage farm equipment.

Chico Historic Facts

• Chico is the oldest city name in Northern California. Originally, the Bidwells' land was commonly referred to as "Small Creek Ranch." The formal Spanish translation read "Rancho Del Arroyo Chico" or "Ranch of the little masculine canyon." For convenience, residents nicknamed the town "Chico."


• Tres Hombres (corner of First Street and Broadway) was formerly John Bidwell's General Store, established in 1860.


• The Bidwells took great pride in beautifying the city. It is said that John Bidwell rode through Chico in his carriage occasionally stopping to plant trees for future generations to enjoy. He also shipped in tree seeds from Europe and South America to add to the diverse agriculture of the land and provide a tree canopy against the summer heat.


• Ringel Park, on the site of what had at one time been the nursery of John Bidwell, is located between Main & Broadway on First Street and is now a 'relief center' for passengers on the Chico and Butte County bus systems. The park was dedicated in 1981 to Eugene A. Ringel, a citizen of Chico who was active in community and civic activities. On the south side of First is the Masonic Temple built in 1871.


• Children's Park, (Broadway & First) given to the city of Chico in 1911, was dedicated to the children of the community by Annie Bidwell. Near the First Street entrance is a marker honoring the citizens of Chico who died in World War I.


• Bidwell Memorial Church, originally built in 1871 on the corner of Fourth Street and Broadway, was rebuilt at the First and Broadway location in 1909.


• The Madison Bear Garden (Second & Salem), formerly the Lusk Home and now a popular hangout with students, has enjoyed an interesting history. The home was built in 1883 by a prominent Chico lawyer. After his death in 1909, it was passed into the hands of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. They sold it to Grand American Faire in 1977. Madison Bear Garden contains hundreds and perhaps thousands of antiques.


• Chico Railroad Depot & Art Center, (450 Orange St.), was first built in 1892, after the 1869 depot was pulled down. It now serves as a small unattended station for Amtrak. The walls hold pictures of the two previous stations. The Art Center is adjacent to the waiting rooms and features exhibitions and classes.